The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billion annually, and serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico. Founded in 1979, the USHCC is dedicated to developing and implementing a broad range of programs and initiatives to enhance the success of its three primary constituencies: small business enterprises, local chambers of commerce and corporate partners. The USHCC will announce its new Chair of the Board of Directors at the USHCC 31st Annual National Convention & Business Expo in Dallas to be held in September 2011. Along with the introduction of a new Chairman, new appointments to the USHCC Board of Directors will be announced.

“This change in leadership is part of the continuing evolution and positive momentum at USHCC, as we focus on our mission and on serving our three primary constituencies: small business enterprises, local chambers of commerce and our corporate partners,” said Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the USHCC.

Current USHCC Chairman, David C. Lizarraga, who will step down in September, has successfully reached out to new chambers of commerce in communities across the country, expanded its partnerships with major corporations and other business organizations in the area of supplier diversity, and built relationships with government agencies to increase procurement opportunities for Hispanic business enterprises. Mr. Lizarraga will continue to serve the community through his work at the helm of TELACU, the nation’s largest Community Development Corporation. “Under Chairman Lizarraga’s leadership, we are now at an important time in our history to advance and accelerate our role and impact in supporting Hispanic business throughout the United States,” said Palomarez. “We thank David for his dedicated service, guidance and leadership in setting the stage for a new era of the USHCC.”

The USHCC 31st Annual National Convention & Business Expo, which will be held in Dallas, Texas, from September 22-25, will serve as a launch platform for many new initiatives and partnerships the organization has been working towards in reinvigorating, repositioning and reclaiming its leadership role in supporting Hispanic business across the United States.